Ninepipe corridor

Initial findings of Ninepipe corridor feasibility study shared

By Taylor Davison Valley Journal

LAKE COUNTY — Improvements to a crucial stretch of U.S. Highway 93 near the Ninepipe Reservoir are being revisited as engineers compare past and current studies on the heavily traveled roadway.

An informational meeting was held on Feb. 7 by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and consulting firm Robert Peccia and Associates (RPA) to share the initial findings in the feasibility of improving the Ninepipe corridor.

Improvements to the Ninepipe corridor, between Post Creek Hill and Ronan, have been in discussion for an extended period with planning efforts reaching back as far as 1996, according to MDT preconstruction engineer Jacquelyn Smith. In 2008, a supplemental report was created to determine design details, which was used for reference in the 2022 meeting.

A range of corridor alternatives were considered in 2008, the preferred being a two-lane road with widened shoulders and a designated bicycle path.

Several factors and potential constraints must be considered when expanding upon the design, explained Smith, including constructability, impact, and cost. One such example is the groundwater challenges which are impeding the design of a bridge in the Post Creek Hill area.

To determine if the preferred alternative still makes sense for the corridor since the original analysis, a new inspection of relevant conditions was completed in late 2021. This includes the study of current traffic and safety conditions, as well as environmental and cultural impacts.

According to Scott Randall, RPA Consultant Project Manager, the investigation shows traffic volumes now range from around 7,000 to 8,500 vehicles per day and are continuing to grow along the corridor. Presently, the corridor experiences a service level grade of D, two grades above failing, meaning drivers are more likely to experience potentially dangerous traffic conditions. Continued service growth could result in a drop to level of service grade E. There was also found to be a lack of adequate accommodations for non-motorized users.

Accident reports in the last five years reveal there have been 84 total crashes during this period along the corridor, approximately 17 per year. About one third of these crashes, 28, involved a wild animal. Thirteen crashes involved rear ends of cars, and 5 crashes resulted in serious injuries or fatalities.

Most of the study area is surrounded by public lands intended for wildlife conservation, though in general MDT does own the minimum desired width proposed for the corridor. The route also passes through floodplains at some points, but the soil samples taken indicate no issues in the soil firmness that would bar construction.

The Ninepipe area supports a large variety of wildlife species and diverse habitats which were included in the evaluation in coordination with resource agencies. Animal injury and loss of life in vehicle encounters, as well as ideal locations for animal crossings that can accommodate a variety of species were included in the study. MDT is coordinating with the tribes and other federal and local resource agencies to discuss how corridor improvements could impact wildlife.

Lastly, the team evaluated culturally significant features and sites within the corridor to understand how they may be impacted by potential changes. The 2008 study identified three cultural resources present: a Flathead Indian irrigation project, a historical stagecoach route, and a Ninepipe traditional cultural property. Randall stated that MDT is in the process of conducting government to government consultation with the tribes regarding the cultural resources and are in ongoing discussions.

In terms of next steps, RPA transportation engineer Sarah Nicolai said the above findings will be applied to the feasibility study and compared to the 2008 preferred alternative to define approximate construction limits. The comparison will also help to define project impacts and costs.

Once the study was explained, the meeting was opened for questions. One attendee asked about the estimated budget for the project and if it would qualify for recent federal infrastructure support. Smith replied that without all the design details present, there is no accurate cost estimate available at this time. However, once the design project is further along it will be eligible for federal aid.

Another attendee inquired if any advocacy groups were working with MDT to help prioritize the project, to which Smith answered they are presently in the data gathering point of the project but would be open to working with advocacy groups in the future. They are working with adjacent landowners and the CSKT and are putting together a contact list for future outreach.

One of the final questions pointed out that the preferred (two-lane) alternative was proposed 14 years ago and if a four-lane proposal would be considered instead. Nicolai said that MDT is using the 2008 study as a starting point and will be reevaluating present needs. She added that sensitive area resources that caused the twolane determination back in 2008 will have to be balanced in consideration with other limiting factors.

“If we were just looking into traffic volumes alone, it does look like we’re in need of some expansion. We understand that’s a major concern,” said Randall. “If we were looking at it in a vacuum that’s one thing, but the reality is there’s a lot more challenges we’re faced with that we have to consider as well.”

The meeting was recorded and is available on the MDT website along with an option to submit public comment. The next public outreach meeting for this project will occur in late spring or early summer.

COURTESY GRAPHICS The Ninepipe corridor stretches between Post Creek Hill and Ronan and sees approximately 7,000 to 8,500 vehicles per day. Right: The traffic and safety study conducted over the last five years shows 84 accidents have occurred in the Ninepipe corridor alone.

Website launched to recruit health care providers to Montana

News from the Office of the Governor

HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte has launched CareInMontana. com, a website inviting qualified health care providers to move to Montana as part of the state’s innovative health care workforce recruitment program, CARE (Claim Allowance for Relocation Expenses) in Montana.

“For too long, Montana has struggled to attract and retain health care providers, and the pandemic has only made this longstanding problem worse,” Gov. Gianforte said. “That’s why, with the CARE in Montana program, we’re inviting qualified doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals to move to Montana, serve in our communities, help reduce the burden on existing workers, and ensure Montanans have access to high-quality care.”

CareInMontana.com provides information to qualified health care providers across the country on how to participate in the CARE in Montana program, including eligible health care jobs and how the program works. The website also answers frequently asked questions and provides participating employers with resources to help them attract well-qualified workers.

Gov. Gianforte announced the creation of the CARE in Montana program in November 2021 at Billings Clinic. Since that time, the State of Montana has stood up the program and established its guidelines, and Montana employers have begun using the program to recruit health care workers. The governor announced the launch of the CARE in Montana program’s website on Feb. 7.

Under CARE in Montana, participating employers can offer new employees reimbursement of up to $12,500 for moving expenses, plus an additional 35% to offset taxes associated with the reimbursement amount. An employee is eligible for reimbursement if they accept an offer of employment for a qualifying health care job, move to Montana, and work in the qualifying job for at least 12 consecutive months. Full program details may be found at: CareInMontana.com. “We appreciate and applaud the focus Governor Gianforte is placing on the acutecare workforce shortage that healthcare facilities throughout Montana are currently experiencing,” Karen Costello, President of SCL Health - Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City said. “SCL Health is committed to bringing experienced healthcare professionals to Montana, and this program will provide additional resources to our state that we hope will help ease the current labor shortage challenges.”

Candidates and health care employers interested in participating in the CARE in Montana program should visit CareInMontana.com.

Fleet Reserve Association awards Tester its Distinguished Pinnacle Award

U.S. SENATE — The Fleet Reserve Association awarded U.S. Senator Jon Tester the annual Pinnacle Award for his outstanding leadership and ongoing efforts to support the nation’s veterans and servicemembers as Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

“It’s an honor to receive the Fleet Reserve Association’s Pinnacle Award, and fight alongside them on behalf of all men and women at sea who swore an oath to protect our country in waters around the world,” said Chairman Tester. “Our work to provide long-overdue health care and benefits to address toxic exposure illnesses is far from over, and I look forward to continuing our efforts in Congress to deliver for our past, present, and future generations of veterans.”

“The Fleet Reserve Association is thankful for Senator Jon Tester’s efforts to provide full benefits to military retirees who have a combat related disability who were forced to retire before 20 years of service due to their injuries through the Major Richard Star Act,” said the Fleet Reserve Association’s National President James Campbell. “Reducing these retirees’ Defense Department benefit because they receive a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit is an injustice. Our advocates also believe that too many Post 9-11 veterans toxic exposure claims are being denied. That is why our Association supports the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act—Senator Tester’s landmark legislation to offer Post-9/11 combat veterans, including those suffering from conditions caused by toxic exposures, access to VA health care.”

The Pinnacle Award is the Fleet Reserve Association’s annual recognition of members of Congress who have demonstrated strong leadership for veterans and servicemembers.

As Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and a Committee member since 2007, Tester has been a tireless advocate for veterans in Montana and across the nation–including toxic-exposed veterans. He has authored, introduced, negotiated, and passed historic laws to provide long-overdue care and benefits to tens of thousands of veterans suffering from conditions related to their toxic exposure. Working with various Veterans Service Organizations and advocates, Tester has championed the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, the expansion of benefits and care for those exposed to Agent Orange, and remains dedicated to identifying a path forward for outstanding toxic exposure issues. Continuing his legislative push to deliver for all generations of toxic-exposed veterans, Tester recently introduced his Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act to offer Post-9/11 veterans lifesaving access to VA health care. It cleared Committee markup with unanimous support last week. The Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act is the first of a three-step approach to expand access to health care for toxic-exposed veterans, establish a new process through which VA will determine future presumptive conditions, and provide overdue benefits to thousands of toxic-exposed veterans who have been long-ignored or forgotten. The Senator is also leading the charge to allow veterans to receive concurrent receipt of military and VA disability pay, reintroducing the Major Richard Star Act and Retired Pay Restoration Act earlier this Congress to end the unfair offset of veterans’ earned benefits.

COURTESY PHOTO Senator Tester receives the Fleet Reserve Association’s annual award for his outstanding leadership on toxic exposure for veterans and servicemembers.

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL City council members react to the news that Ronan will be able to receive more consistent funding for small revitalization projects through the Montana Main Street program.

Ronan accepted into Main Street program

By Taylor Davison Valley Journal

RONAN — The Ronan City Council announced during their Feb. 9 meeting that Ronan has been accepted into the Montana Department of Commerce (MDC) Montana Main Street program.

Started in 2005, the Montana Main Street program, according to its website, offers technical assistance and expertise to member communities and awards competitive grant funding to communities actively working on downtown revitalization, economic development, and historic preservation. It presently serves thirty-four communities throughout the state.

Community applications are considered based on a set of criteria demonstrating a collaborative local effort, and success in the implementation of previous downtown projects. These efforts indicate to the department that a community is in a positive position to implement further revitalization.

The City of Ronan submitted its application in 2021, citing notable projects such as the Coop Brewery, restoration of a mechanic’s shop, and a recently added downtown mural to highlight their efforts. The MDC agreed that Ronan is on the right track for revitalization.

Ronan Revitalization Committee Chair Whitney Liegakos explained that Ronan has been accepted at the affiliate level. This means that there will be a certain monetary match required by the town when receiving grants for projects, approximately a one to five ratio, but still a consistent funding path in Ronan’s efforts to revitalize Main Street.

The funds awarded to Ronan through this program will be put toward projects such as signage and sidewalk improvements, replacing or trimming trees, commissioning more murals, and installing bike racks along Main Street.

“It’s things that we’ve been doing, but with some funding behind it now,” said Liegakos. “I think it’ll be a huge opportunity for us.”

Future revitalization projects for Ronan will be discussed at a later city council meeting.

“I think it’ll be a huge opportunity for us.”

- Whitney Liegakos, Ronan Revitalization Chair

Heart Saver CPR class,

free classroom and video-basedvideo-based coursecourse toto teachteach adult CPR and AED use, plus how to relieve choking in an Cardiac Health Profile, $49 adult. This course is for • • • • Complete metabolic panel Complete blood count Thyroid stimulating hormone tes Check in at the front desk: 7-10 t a.m., anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card in

Mon., Tues. or Fri. CPRCPR andand AEDAED use,use, oror forfor general preparedness.

LiLipidpid P Profile, free

• Must be fasting: No food or drink Saturdays in February: except water 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. 10+ hours beforehand Grandview Lobby in the • Results will be mailed to you building west of Providence • No appointment required St. Joseph Medical Center. • Check in at Mon., Tues. the fron or Fri. t desk: 7-10 a.m., To sign up additional or ask times, about call Cindy Baseline EKG, $30 Hagen at 406-883-7488. • All EKGs read by cardiologist • 7-10 a.m., Mon., Tues. or Fri. • Please call 406-883-8498 to schedule

Heart Saver CPR class,

free classroom and video-basedvideo-based coursecourse toto teachteach adult CPR and AED use, plus how to relieve choking in an Cardiac Health Profile, $49 adult. This course is for • • • • Complete metabolic panel Complete blood count Thyroid stimulating hormone test Check in at the front desk: 7-10 a.m., anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card in

Mon., Tues. or Fri. CPRCPR andand AEDAED use,use, oror forfor general preparedness.

LipLipidid P Profile, free

• Must be fasting: No food or drink Saturdays in February: except water 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. 10+ hours beforehand Grandview Lobby in the • Results will be mailed to you building west of Providence • No appointment required St. Joseph Medical Center. • Check in at Mon., Tues. the fro or Fri. nt desk: 7-10 a.m., To sign up additional or ask times, about call Cindy Baseline EKG, $30 Hagen at 406-883-7488. • All EKGs read by cardiologist • 7-10 a.m., Mon., Tues. or Fri. • Please call 406-883-8498 to schedule Payment is required at time of service. We cannot bill insurance.Cash, check and all major credit cards accepted. All results will be mailed.Cardiac Health and Lipid Profile results are available electronically on MyChart.

How healthy

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